Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, is embroiled in another round of legal battle. A
report in the Scottish Sun indicates that the former Nigerian
international last Friday appeared in a court in Aberdeen over alleged
money laundering charges.
According to the report in the Scottish tabloid, Okocha appeared in private at the Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Witness’
account disclosed that Okocha wore a white trainer with smart black
trousers, a white shirt and suit jacket on top of a puffer jacket to
court.
The soccer legend,
who represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cup among other top
competitions, is said to be facing a charge related to the alleged
acquisition, use, and possession of criminal property, and another
relating to allegedly concealing, disguising, converting and
transferring criminal property.
Okocha’s
appearance on Friday reports suggest is in connection to incidents
alleged to have happened in the North-East in 2015 and the Police have
been on the trail of the former Nigeria captain and six others since
then.
Okocha is also
facing a torrid time back in Nigeria where he is been accused of tax
evasion and a bench warrant was recently issued for his arrest having
failed to appear in the court despite numerous summons.
According to the government, Okocha has failed to appear in court since October 5, 2017, when the case first came up.
The
government filed a three-count charge against Okocha on June 6, 2017,
accusing him of: “Failure to furnish return of income for tax purposes
with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service contrary to Section 94 (1)
of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria 2004 (As Amended).
“Failure to pay income tax contrary to Section 56(a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No. 8 of 2006.
“Failure
to furnish return of Income for tax purposes with the Lagos State
Internal Revenue Service contrary to Section 94(1) of the Personal
Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As
Amended).”
Okocha enjoyed
an illustrious football career playing for different clubs in England,
France, Germany, Turkey, and oil-rich Qatar.
Upon his retirement, Okocha has been into football punditry and he is an ambassador to several ranges of brands.